<p>I just got placed into I-House, and although I've read through most (I think) of what I could find about International House, I was hoping some people might be able to describe it and it's environment a little more. My top choices were South, BJ, and Max P- as I wanted a social environment while also having a good shot at getting a single- so I'm feeling kind of uncertain about the dorm I was placed in. I know that when most people move in they end up clicking really well their dorm and wouldn't dream of switching out, but if someone could shed some more light on I-House, I'd appreciate it a lot!</p>
<p>I have, but I was hoping someone could tell me more about what sort of environment (in general) the dorm has- it’s kind of removed from most of the main part of campus, and it’s entirely singles. I just wanted to know if anyone could comment on how social the dorm is, if the houses are close knit, if it’s distance from the library/quad/dining hall is cumbersome, that sort of thing. Thank you for including the link, though!</p>
<p>There are 4 (very) distinct houses in I-House this year. The culture of each one is drastically different, especially because 2 of them were moved from Pierce. If you tell me your house (or PM it to me), I can give you a better idea of what your house might be like.</p>
<p>I-House, in general, is a really cool place to live. Though it’s not nearly as large as Max or South, it’s still a very social dorm. At least in my house, people rarely stay in their rooms - they are almost always in other people’s rooms, our house lounge, in the I-House lounge/lobby/kitchen/study areas/etc., or out and about. The fact that everyone is in a single means that people are forced to congregate and meet each other. You can’t just hole up with your roommate or by yourself. </p>
<p>In terms of distance, get a bike. It will take 2 minutes to get to the quad, 3 to South/Bartlett. It might take 5 minutes to get to the Reg. If you have a bike, then there are literally no distance issues. If a bike isn’t feasible, all 3 UChicago/CTA buses pass by the lab school (half a block away). Otherwise, it’s not a terrible walk. It might take 10 minutes to get to classes walking, 15 to get to South/Bartlett, 18 to the Reg. But, if you walk with people (which you will), the time really flies. One caveat: I never ride my bike in the winter (icy roadways, snow, wind), and that can be kind of a hassle, especially getting to meals. But that’ll be an issue in almost every dorm that’s not Max/South. I recommend going to Harper or the Reg and not going back to I-House unless you have a particularly significant chunk of time to kill. That way, the walk to meals won’t be as bad, and you can take the shuttles (after 5) home.</p>
<p>I-House is a really cool place to live, and my house’s retention rate is something crazy (like 80%). If you have any other questions, feel free to PM me. I was in the inaugural year of one of the I-House houses, and I can’t wait to go back.</p>
<p>xp1123, going to pm you after this! You’re just the sort of poster I was looking for Thank you so much for the thorough/helpful response, I really appreciate it! </p>
<p>hevydevy, I gave my deposit a little bit after the first admit weekend, which was the 11-12th of April (I think); so basically mid/late April. I figured I would have at least landed a spot in South (knew Palevsky would have been snatched up, and BJ I thought I had a slight chance- especially since I was going for a single; maybe April was too late altogether), but c’est la vie! I-House could be everything I’m looking for, despite not even considering it.</p>
Thank you so much for the thorough/helpful response, I really appreciate it! </p>